Are you interested in becoming a Samaritan Volunteer in Redbridge?
So many people have it in them to be a Samaritans volunteer. To touch another person’s life when it really matters, by helping them directly, or by keeping our branches running, is a rare gift.
You can make an amazing difference at Samaritans. Our volunteers are changing lives every day, and developing valuable skills along the way. Volunteers are the heart of Samaritans. We welcome and value every volunteer, from all walks of life. Whatever your interests, experience or skills, we could well have a role for you.
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland takes their own life. Without volunteers, we’re unable to offer the support we do. We currently have about 80 volunteers giving up a few hours of their time to help support people around the UK find their way, through whatever is troubling them.
We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks Samaritans might be a suitable volunteering opportunity and we particularly need night owls - volunteers with night time availability. Our callers at night are often the most vulnerable and desperate and we need to increase our availability to answer these calls. We are also keen to hear from retired people who might have more availability and flexibility in the hours they can offer.
Redbridge Samaritans is a friendly group of people of all ages and backgrounds. You don't need qualifications or experience, but to be a good listener, as in-depth training is provided.
As a listening volunteer you will be required to do eight duties in every eight week rota period, two of which will be twilight/night duties. This excludes holidays. We also have opportunities for those who can offer skills other than listening, such as fund-raising, administration and participation in outreach. .
Firstly we invite everyone interested in volunteering with Redbridge Samaritans to an Information Evening, so you can learn more about the charity and how we support people struggling to cope. You can also ask any questions at the session to ensure that volunteering with Samaritans is right for you. Once an application is received you will be invited to attend a Selection Evening, this is your opportunity to learn more about the charity as well as us learning more about you in a confidential interview. You will be given the chance to again ask any questions that you may have as we provide support throughout the whole volunteering process and beyond. If your application to be a listening volunteer is successful you will be offered a place on our initial training course. This consists of six group based training modules involving skills practice and group discussion, and five online sessions to be done throughout the course. Training sessions are generally held on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.
After initial training you will be assigned a mentor who will support you throughout your training period. You will be able to observe other volunteers at work before taking your first call. You will have a probationary period with five more training sessions held over a four to six month period.
For those accepted to a non listening support volunteer role you will be expected to complete one online module and attend an introductory module. Further training will be given in the area that you are supporting us with. The required time expectation for whichever support role you take on will be a minimum of six days or twelve half days per year.
If you would like to know more about volunteering at Redbridge Samaritans then please complete the volunteering form.